Personal vaporizing inhaler with translucent window

ABSTRACT

A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/780,875, filed May 15, 2010, entitled “PERSONAL VAPORIZING INHALERWITH INTERNAL LIGHT SOURCE”, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference for all purposes. This application is related to the followingU.S. applications filed on May 15, 2010: Ser. No. 12/780,871, entitled“PERSONAL VAPORIZING INHALER WITH MOUTHPIECE COVER”; Ser. No.12/780,872, entitled “ACTIVATION TRIGGER FOR A PERSONAL VAPORIZINGINHALER”; Ser. No. 12/780,873, entitled “PERSONAL VAPORIZING INHALERCARTRIDGE”; Ser. No. 12/780,874, entitled “ATOMIZER-VAPORIZER FOR APERSONAL VAPORIZING INHALER”; Ser. No. 12/780,876, entitled “DATALOGGING PERSONAL VAPORIZING INHALER”; and, Ser. No. 12/780,877, entitled“PERSONAL VAPORIZING INHALER ACTIVE CASE”; whose applications are herebyincorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to personal vapor inhaling units and moreparticularly to an electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit having aninternal light source visible on the outside that may simulate acigarette or deliver nicotine and other medications to the oral mucosa,pharyngeal mucosa, tracheal, and pulmonary membranes.

BACKGROUND

An alternative to smoked tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars,or pipes is a personal vaporizer. Inhaled doses of heated and atomizedflavor provide a physical sensation similar to smoking. However, becausea personal vaporizer is typically electrically powered, no tobacco,smoke, or combustion is usually involved in its operation. Forportability, and to simulate the physical characteristics of acigarette, cigar, or pipe, a personal vaporizer may be battery powered.In addition, a personal vaporizer may be loaded with a nicotine bearingsubstance and/or a medication bearing substance. The personal vaporizermay provide an inhaled dose of nicotine and/or medication by way of theheated and atomized substance. Thus, personal vaporizers may also beknown as electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes. Personal vaporizers maybe used to administer flavors, medicines, drugs, or substances that arevaporized and then inhaled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a personal vaporizer unit.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a personal vaporizer unit.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the proximal end of a personal vaporizer unit.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the distal end of a personal vaporizer unit.

FIG. 4A is an end view of the distal end of a personal vaporizer unithaving an embossed cartridge.

FIG. 5 is a figure map of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the proximal portion of a personalvaporizer unit along the cut line shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section of the distal portion of a personal vaporizerunit along the cut line shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is an exploded side view of components of a personal vaporizerunit.

FIG. 9 is an exploded cross-section of components of a personalvaporizer unit along the cut line shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a mouthpiece cover of a personalvaporizer unit.

FIG. 11 is a distal end view of the mouthpiece cover of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross-section of the mouthpiece cover along the cut lineshown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a mouthpiece of a personal vaporizerunit.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a cross-section of the mouthpiece along the cut line shown inFIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a mouthpiece insulator of a personalvaporizer unit.

FIG. 17 is a distal end view of the mouthpiece insulator of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the mouthpiece insulator of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a cross-section of the mouthpiece insulator along the cutline shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a main housing of a personal vaporizerunit.

FIG. 21 is a distal end view of the main housing of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a proximal end view of the main housing of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the main housing of FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 is a cross-section of the main housing along the cut line shownin FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a main housing of a personal vaporizerunit.

FIG. 26 is a second perspective view of the main housing of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a distal end view of the main housing of FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a proximal end view of the main housing of FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 is a side view of the main housing of FIG. 25.

FIG. 30 is a cross-section of the main housing along the cut line shownin FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a printed circuit board (PCB orPC-board) assembly of a personal vaporizer unit.

FIG. 32 is a distal end view of the PCB assembly of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a perspective exploded view of the PCB assembly of FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 is a side exploded view of the PCB assembly of FIG. 31.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a proximal wick element of a personalvaporizer unit.

FIG. 35A is a perspective view of a heating element disposed through aproximal wick element of a personal vaporizer unit.

FIG. 35B is a perspective view of a heating element of a personalvaporizer unit.

FIG. 36 is a distal end view of the wick element of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a cross-section of the wick element along the cut line shownin FIG. 35.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a distal wick element of a personalvaporizer unit.

FIG. 39 is a distal end view of the wick element of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a cross-section of the wick element along the cut line shownin FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a distal wick element of a personalvaporizer unit.

FIG. 42 is a distal end view of the wick element of FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a cross-section of the wick element along the cut line shownin FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of an atomizer housing of a personalvaporizer unit.

FIG. 45 is a distal end view of the atomizer housing of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is a side view of the atomizer housing of FIG. 44.

FIG. 47 is a top view of the atomizer housing of FIG. 44.

FIG. 48 is a cross-section of the atomizer housing along the cut lineshown in FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of an atomizer housing of a personalvaporizer unit.

FIG. 50 is a distal end view of the atomizer housing of FIG. 49.

FIG. 51 is a side view of the atomizer housing of FIG. 49.

FIG. 52 is a top view of the atomizer housing of FIG. 49.

FIG. 53 is a cross-section of the atomizer housing along the cut lineshown in FIG. 52.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of an atomizer housing and wicks of apersonal vaporizer unit.

FIG. 55 is an exploded view of the atomizer housing, wire guides, andwicks of FIG. 54.

FIG. 56 is a side view of the atomizer housing and wicks of FIG. 54.

FIG. 57 is a distal end view of the atomizer housing and wicks of FIG.54.

FIG. 58 is a cross-section of the atomizer housing and wicks along thecut line shown in FIG. 57.

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of the proximal end wick and wire guidesof FIGS. 54-58.

FIG. 59A is a perspective view showing a heating element disposedthrough the proximal end wick and around the wire guides of FIGS. 54-58.

FIG. 59B is a perspective view of the heating element of a personalvaporizer unit.

FIG. 60 is a distal end view of the wick element of FIGS. 54-58.

FIG. 61 is a cross-section of the wick element and wire guides along thecut line shown in FIG. 60.

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a light pipe sleeve of a personalvaporizer unit.

FIG. 63 is an end view of the light pipe sleeve of FIG. 62.

FIG. 64 is a cross-section of the light pipe sleeve along the cut lineshown in FIG. 63.

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a cartridge of a personal vaporizerunit.

FIG. 66 is a proximal end view of the cartridge of FIG. 65.

FIG. 67 is a side view of the cartridge of FIG. 65.

FIG. 68 is a top view of the cartridge of FIG. 65.

FIG. 69 is a cross-section of the cartridge along the cut line shown inFIG. 66.

FIG. 70 is a side view of a battery of a personal vaporizer unit.

FIG. 71 is an end view of the battery of FIG. 70.

FIG. 72 is a perspective view of a battery support of a personalvaporizer unit.

FIG. 73 is a perspective view of a personal vaporizer unit case.

FIG. 74 is a perspective view of a personal vaporizer unit case.

FIG. 75 is a block diagram of a computer system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment a personal vaporizer unit comprises a mouthpiececonfigured for contact with the mouth of a person. At least part of thismouthpiece has an antimicrobial surface. This mouthpiece may alsocomprise silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, organosilane, silverimpregnated polymer, silver impregnated thermoplastic elastomer, and/orpolymer. The mouthpiece may be removed from the personal vaporizing forwashing or replacement, without using a tool. The mouthpiece may beprovided in different colors. Designs or other patterns may be visibleon the outside of the mouthpiece.

In an embodiment, a personal vaporizer unit comprises a first conductivesurface configured to contact a first body part of a person holding thepersonal vaporizer unit, and a second conductive surface, conductivelyisolated from the first conductive surface, configured to contact asecond body part of the person. When the personal vaporizer unit detectsa change in conductivity between the first conductive surface and thesecond conductive surface, a vaporizer is activated to vaporize asubstance so that the vapors may be inhaled by the person holding unit.The first body part and the second body part may be a lip or parts of ahand(s). The two conductive surfaces may also be used to charge abattery contained in the personal vaporizer unit. The two conductivesurfaces may also form, or be part of, a connector that may be used tooutput data stored in a memory.

In an embodiment, a personal vaporizer unit comprises a chamberconfigured to receive a cartridge. The cartridge may hold a substance tobe vaporized. The chamber may be configured at the distal end of thepersonal vaporizer unit. A user may inhale the vaporized substance atthe proximal end of the personal vaporizer unit. At least one spacebetween the exterior surface of the cartridge, and an interior surfaceof the chamber, may define a passage for air to be drawn from outsidethe personal vaporizer unit, near the distal end, through the personalvaporizer unit to be inhaled by the user along with the vaporizedsubstance. The personal vaporizer unit may also include a puncturingelement that breaks a seal on the cartridge to allow a substance in thecartridge to be vaporized. An end surface of the cartridge may betranslucent to diffuse light produced internally to the personalvaporizer unit. The translucent end may be etched or embossed withletters, symbols, or other indicia that are illuminated by the lightproduced internally to the personal vaporizer unit.

In an embodiment, a personal vaporizer unit comprises a first wickelement and a second wick element having a porous ceramic. The firstwick element is adapted to directly contact a liquid held in areservoir. The reservoir may be contained by a cartridge that isremovable from the personal vaporizer unit. A heating element isdisposed through the second wick element. An air gap is defined betweenthe first wick element and the second wick element with the heatingelement exposed to the air gap. Air enters the first wick elementthrough a hole in a housing holding the first wick element.

In an embodiment, a personal vaporizer unit comprises a light sourceinternal to an opaque cylindrical housing that approximates theappearance of a smoking article. A cylindrical light tube is disposedinside the opaque cylindrical housing to conduct light emitted by thelight source to an end of the opaque cylindrical housing. This allowsthe light to be visible outside of the opaque cylindrical housing of thevaporizer.

In an embodiment, a personal vaporizer unit comprises a microprocessor,memory, and a connector. The connector outputs data stored in thememory. The microprocessor may gather, and store in the memory,information including, but not limited to, the number of cycles thedevice has been triggered, the duration of the cycles, the numbercartridges of fluid that are delivered. The microprocessor may alsogather and store times and dates associated with the other informationgathered and stored. The microprocessor may detect an empty cartridge bydetecting a specific change in resistance between a wick and a housingthat is equivalent to a “dry wick”, and thus signifies an emptycartridge.

In an embodiment, a case comprises a cradle adapted to hold a personalvaporizer unit. The personal vaporizer unit has dimensions approximatinga smoking article. The case includes a battery and at least twocontacts. The two contacts may form an electrical contact with thepersonal vaporizer unit when the personal vaporizer unit is in thecradle. The two contacts may conduct charge from the battery to thepersonal vaporizer unit to charge the personal vaporizer unit. The casemay also download and store data retrieved from the personnel vaporizingunit. The case may download and store this data via the at least twocontacts. The case may send this data to a computer via wired orwireless links. The case may have more than one cradle and sets ofcontacts (e.g., two sets of two contacts in order to hold and charge twopersonal vaporizer units).

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a personal vaporizer unit. In FIG. 1,personal vaporizer unit 100 comprises outer main shell 102, mouthpiececover 114, mouthpiece 116, and mouthpiece insulator 112. The mouthpiece116 and mouthpiece cover 114 define the proximal end of personalvaporizer unit 100. The opposite end of personal vaporizer unit 100 willbe referred to as the distal end. A cartridge 150 may be inserted intothe distal end of personal vaporizer unit 100. Cartridge 150 may holdthe substance to be vaporized by personal vaporizer unit 100. Thesubstance after vaporizing may be inhaled by a user holding the personalvaporizer unit 100. The substance may be in the form of a liquid or gel.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a personal vaporizer unit. FIG. 2 illustratespersonal vaporizer unit 100 as viewed from the side. FIG. 2 illustratespersonal vaporizer unit 100 comprising outer main shell 102, mouthpiececover 114, mouthpiece 116, and mouthpiece insulator 112. FIG. 2 alsoillustrates cartridge 150 inserted into the distal end of personalvaporizer unit 100.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the proximal end of a personal vaporizer unit.FIG. 3 shows the proximal end view of personal vaporizer unit 100comprising mouthpiece cover 114. FIG. 4 is an end view of the distal endof a personal vaporizer unit. FIG. 4 shows the distal end view personalvaporizer unit 100 comprising the visible portion of cartridge 150. FIG.4A is an alternative end view of personal vaporizer unit 100 comprisinga visible portion of cartridge 150 that has visible logos, letters, orother symbols. These visible logos, letters, or other symbols may beilluminated or backlit by a light source internal to the personalvaporizer unit 100. The light source may be activated intermittentlyunder the control of a microprocessor or other electronics internal topersonal vaporizer unit 100. The light source may be activated in such amanner as to simulate the glowing ash of a cigar or cigarette.

FIG. 5 is a figure map of FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a cross-section ofthe proximal portion of a personal vaporizer unit along the cut lineshown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 6, the proximal portion of personal vaporizerunit 100 comprises mouthpiece cover 114, mouthpiece 116, mouthpieceinsulator 112, outer main shell 102, battery support 106, and battery104. The mouthpiece cover 114 surrounds and is engaged with the distalend of mouthpiece 116. Mouthpiece 116 and outer main shell 102 arepreferably made of an electrically conductive material(s). Mouthpiece116 is separated from outer main shell 102 by mouthpiece insulator 112.Mouthpiece 116 and outer main shell 102 are thus electrically isolatedfrom each other by mouthpiece insulator 112.

In an embodiment, personal vaporizer unit 100 is configured such thatother main shell 102 comprises a first conductive surface configured tocontact a first body part of a person holding personal vaporizer unit100. Mouthpiece 116 comprises a second conductive surface, which isconductively isolated from the first conductive surface. This secondconductive surface is configured to contact a second body part of theperson. When personal vaporizer unit 100 detects a change inconductivity between the first conductive surface and the secondconductive surface, a vaporizer internal to personal vaporizer unit 100is activated to vaporize a substance in cartridge 150 so that the vaporsmay be inhaled by the person holding personal vaporizer unit 100. Thefirst body part and the second body part may be a lip or parts of ahand(s). The two conductive surfaces of outer main shell 102 andmouthpiece 116, respectively, may also be used to charge battery 104contained in the personal vaporizer unit 100. The two conductivesurfaces of outer main shell 102 and mouthpiece 116, respectively, mayalso be used to output (or input) data stored (or to be stored) in amemory (not shown).

Battery support 106 functions to hold battery 104 in a position which isfixed relative to our main shell 102. Battery support 106 is alsoconfigured to allow air and vaporized substance to pass from the distalend of personal vaporizer unit 100 past battery 104 along one or morepassageways. After air and the vapors of the vaporized substance pass bybattery 104, they may pass through openings in mouthpiece 116,mouthpiece cover 114, and mouthpiece insulator 112, to be inhaled by auser.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section of the distal portion of a personal vaporizerunit along the cut line shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 7, the distal endportion of personal vaporizer unit 100 comprises outer main shell 102,light pipe sleeve 140, and atomizer housing 132, distal wick 134,proximal wick 136, PC board 123, PC board 124, spacer 128, and mainhousing 160. FIG. 7 also illustrates cartridge 150 inserted into thedistal end of personal vaporizer unit 100. As can be seen in FIG. 7,cartridge 150 may hold a substance (e.g., a liquid or gel) in directcontact with distal wick 134. The substance may be drawn through distalwick 134 to be vaporized inside atomizer assembly. The atomizer assemblycomprises atomizer housing 132, distal wick 134, proximal wick 136, anda heating element (not shown).

FIG. 8 is an exploded side view of components of a personal vaporizerunit. FIG. 9 is an exploded cross-section of components of a personalvaporizer unit along the cut line shown in FIG. 2.

In FIGS. 8 and 9, personal vaporizer unit 100 comprises (from left toright) mouthpiece cover 114, mouthpiece 116, mouthpiece insulator 112,battery 104, battery support 106, PC board 123, spacer 128, PC board124, main housing 160, proximal wick 136, distal wick 134, atomizerhousing 132, light pipe sleeve 140, and cartridge 150. Mouthpiece cover114 surrounds and covers the proximal end of mouthpiece 116. The distalend of mouthpiece 116 is inserted into mouthpiece insulator 112. Battery104 is held in place by battery support 106. PC board 123, spacer 128and PC board 124 are disposed within main housing 160. Proximal wick 136and distal wick 134 are disposed within atomizer housing 132.

Atomizer housing 132 (and therefore proximal wick 136, distal wick 134)are disposed inside light pipe sleeve 140 and main shell 102. (Note: forclarity, main shell 102 is not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.) Light pipesleeve 140 is disposed within main shell 102. Light pipe sleeve 140 ispositioned such that light emitted from a light source mounted on PCboard 124 may be conducted via light pipe sleeve 140 to a location whereit is visible on the outside of personal vaporizer unit 100.

Cartridge 150 is disposed within light pipe sleeve 140. When assembled,a substance contained within cartridge 150 is held in direct contactwith distal wick 134. When cartridge 150 is inserted into personalvaporizer unit 100 atomizer housing 132 or distal wick 134 may puncturea seal or cap that contains the substance to be vaporized withincartridge 150. Once punctured, the substance held within a reservoir ofcartridge 150 may come in direct contact with distal wick 134.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a mouthpiece cover of a personalvaporizer unit. FIG. 11 is a distal end view of the mouthpiece cover ofFIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a cross-section of the mouthpiece cover along thecut line shown in FIG. 11. As can be seen in FIGS. 10-12, mouthpiececover 114 has an opening 114-1 that allows air and the vaporizedsubstance to be drawn through mouthpiece cover 114. Mouthpiece cover 114is configured for contact with the mouth of a person. In an embodiment,at least part of the mouthpiece cover has an antimicrobial surface. Thisantimicrobial surface of mouthpiece cover 114 may comprise, but is notlimited to: silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, organosilane,silver impregnated polymer, silver impregnated thermoplastic elastomer,and/or polymer. Mouthpiece cover 114 is also configured to be removablefrom personal vaporizer unit 100 by a user without the use of tools.This allows mouthpiece cover 114 to be replaced and/or washed. In anembodiment, mouthpiece cover 114 may be held in place on personalvaporizer unit 100 by annular ridge 114-2 which interfaces with a grooveon mouthpiece 116 of personal vaporizer unit 100 to secure mouthpiececover 114 in place. In another embodiment, mouthpiece cover 114 may beheld in place on personal vaporizer unit 100 by a friction fit.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a mouthpiece of a personal vaporizerunit. FIG. 14 is a side view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is across-section of the mouthpiece along the cut line shown in FIG. 14. Ascan be seen in FIGS. 13-15, mouthpiece 116 has a passageway 116-1 thatallows air and the vaporized substance to be drawn through mouthpiece116. Mouthpiece 116 may comprise a conductive surface or materialconfigured to contact a first body part of a person holding personalvaporizer unit 100. This first body part may be part of a hand, or atleast one lip of the person holding personal vaporizer unit 100. In anembodiment, mouthpiece 116 has an annular groove 116-2 around an outsidesurface. This groove is configured to receive annular ridge 114-2. Thus,annular groove 116-2 helps secure mouthpiece cover 114 to personalvaporizer unit 100.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a mouthpiece insulator of a personalvaporizer unit. FIG. 17 is a distal end view of the mouthpiece insulatorof FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a side view of the mouthpiece insulator of FIG.16. FIG. 19 is a cross-section of the mouthpiece insulator along the cutline shown in FIG. 18. As discussed previously, mouthpiece insulator 112is disposed between main shell 102 and mouthpiece 116. As can be seen inFIGS. 16-18, mouthpiece insulator 112 has a passageway 112-1 that allowsair and the vaporized substance to be drawn through mouthpiece insulator112. Because mouthpiece insulator 112 is disposed between main shell 102and mouthpiece 116, mouthpiece insulator 112 can electrically isolatemain shell 102 and mouthpiece 116. Thus, in an embodiment, mouthpieceinsulator 112 comprises, or is made of, a non-electrically conductivematerial. This electrical isolation between main shell 102 andmouthpiece 116 allow electrical impedance changes between main shell 102and mouthpiece 116 to be detected.

For example, a first conductive surface on mouthpiece 116 may beconfigured to contact a first body part of a person holding personalvaporizer unit 100. A second conductive surface on main shell 102 (whichis conductively isolated from said first conductive surface bymouthpiece insulator 112) may be configured to contact a second bodypart of the person. Personal vaporizer unit 100 may then activate inresponse to detecting a change in conductivity between the firstconductive surface and the second conductive surface. In an embodiment,this change in conductivity may comprise a drop in impedance between thefirst conductive surface and the second conductive surface. In anembodiment, the change in conductivity may comprise a change incapacitance between the first conductive surface and the secondconductive surface. The first body part may be a finger. The second bodypart may be a lip. The second body part may be a second finger. In anembodiment, the first conductive surface and the second conductivesurfaces may be used to pass a charging current to battery 104. Thefirst and second conductive surfaces may also be used to transfer datato or from personal vaporizer unit 100.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a main housing of a personal vaporizerunit. FIG. 21 is a distal end view of the main housing of FIG. 20. FIG.22 is a proximal end view of the main housing of FIG. 20. FIG. 23 is aside view of the main housing of FIG. 20. FIG. 24 is a cross-section ofthe main housing along the cut line shown in FIG. 23. Main housing 160is configured to hold PC-boards 123 and 124, and spacer 128. Mainhousing 160 is configured to fit within main shell 102 via a frictionfit. Main housing 160 has several holes 166 that allow light generatedby a light source(s) on PC-board 124 to pass. Once this light passesthrough holes 166, it may be coupled into light pipe sleeve 140 where itis conducted to a visible location on the outside of personal vaporizerunit 100.

Main housing 160 also has a hole 165 that allows an electrical conductor(not shown) to run from PC-board 123 or PC-board 124 through mainhousing 160. This electrical conductor may be, or connect to, a heatingelement (not shown). This heating element may help vaporize thesubstance to be inhaled by the user of personal vaporizer unit 100. Thisheating element may be controlled by circuitry on PC-board 123 orPC-board 124. This heating element may be activated in response to achange in conductivity between the first conductive surface and thesecond conductive surface, described previously.

The exterior of main housing 160 may also have a flat surface 164 (orother geometry) forming a galley that is configured to allow thevaporized substance and air to pass between the main housing 160 and themain shell 102. Once the vaporized substance and air pass by mainhousing 160, they may travel through passageway 112-1, passageway 116-1,and opening 114-1 to be inhaled by a user of personal vaporizer unit100. The exterior of main housing 160 may also have one or morestandoffs 167 (or other geometries) that are configured to allow air andthe vaporized substance to reach the passageway formed by flat surface164 and main shell 102.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a main housing of a personal vaporizerunit. FIG. 26 is a second perspective view of the main housing of FIG.25. FIG. 27 is a distal end view of the main housing of FIG. 25. FIG. 28is a proximal end view of the main housing of FIG. 25. FIG. 29 is a sideview of the main housing of FIG. 25. FIG. 30 is a cross-section of themain housing along the cut line shown in FIG. 29. Main housing 260 maybe used as an alternative embodiment to main housing 160.

Main housing 260 is configured to hold PC-boards 123 and 124, and spacer128. Main housing 260 is configured to fit within main shell 102 via afriction fit. Main housing 260 has several holes 266 that allow lightgenerated by a light source(s) on PC-board 124 to pass. Once this lightpasses through holes 266, it may be coupled into light pipe sleeve 140where it is conducted to a visible location on the outside of personalvaporizer unit 100.

Main housing 260 also has a hole 265 that allows an electrical conductor(not shown) to run from PC-board 123 or PC-board 124 through mainhousing 260. This electrical conductor may be, or connect to, a heatingelement (not shown). This heating element may help vaporize thesubstance to be inhaled by the user of personal vaporizer unit 100. Thisheating element may be controlled by circuitry on PC-board 123 orPC-board 124. This heating element may be activated in response to achange in conductivity between the first conductive surface and thesecond conductive surface, described previously.

The exterior of main housing 260 may also have flat surfaces 264 (orother geometry) that form a galley that is configured to allow thevaporized substance and air to pass between the main housing 260 and themain shell 102. Once the vaporized substance and air pass by mainhousing 260, they may travel through passageway 112-1, passageway 116-1,and opening 114-1 to be inhaled by a user of personal vaporizer unit100. The exterior of main housing 260 may also have one or morestandoffs 267 (or other geometries) that are configured to allow air andthe vaporized substance to reach the passageway formed by flat surfaces264 and main shell 102.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a printed circuit board assembly of apersonal vaporizer unit. FIG. 32 is a distal end view of the PCBassembly of FIG. 31. FIG. 33 is a perspective exploded view of the PCBassembly of FIG. 31. FIG. 34 is a side exploded view of the PCB assemblyof FIG. 31. As can be seen in FIGS. 31-34, the PCB assembly is comprisedof PC-board 123 and PC-board 124 separated by a spacer 128. PC-board 124may have mounted upon it light emitting diodes (LEDs) 125-127 or otherlight sources. LEDs 125-127 are configured and positioned such that whenthey produce light, that light passes through holes 166 or 266 in mainhousings 160 and 260, respectively. This light may then be conducted bylight pipe sleeve 140 to a location where it will be visible exterior topersonal vaporizer unit 100.

PC-board 123 may have mounted on it a microprocessor, memory, or othercircuitry (not shown) to activate or otherwise control personalvaporizer unit 100. This microprocessor may store data about theoperation of personal vaporizer unit 100 in the memory. For example, themicroprocessor may determine and store the number of cycles personalvaporizer unit 100 has been triggered. The microprocessor may also storea time and/or date associated with one or more of these cycles. Themicroprocessor may cause this data to be output via a connector. Theconnector may be comprised of the first and second conductive surfacesof mouthpiece 116 and/or main shell 102.

In an embodiment, the microprocessor may determine a duration associatedwith various cycles where personal vaporizer unit 100 has beentriggered. These durations (or a number based on these duration, such asan average) may be stored in the memory. The microprocessor may causethese numbers to be output via the connector. The microprocessor maydetermine an empty cartridge condition and stores a number associatedwith a number of times said empty cartridge condition occurs. Themicroprocessor, or other circuitry, may determine an empty cartridgecondition determined based on a resistance between atomizer housing 132or 232 and a wick 134, 234, 136, or 236. The microprocessor may alsostore a time and/or date associated with one or more of these emptycartridge conditions. The number of times an empty cartridge conditionis detected, and or times and/or dates associated with these emptycartridge conditions may be output via the connector.

Battery 104, PC-board 123, PC-board 124, and all electronics internal topersonal vaporizer unit 100 may be sealed in a plastic or plastic andepoxy compartment within the device. This compartment may include mainhousing 160 or 260. All penetrations in this compartment may be sealed.Thus, only wires will protrude from the compartment. The compartment maybe filled with epoxy after the assembly of battery 104, PC-board 123,PC-board 124, and LEDs 125-127. The compartment may be ultrasonicallywelded closed after assembly of battery 104, PC-board 123, PC-board 124,and LEDs 125-127. This sealed compartment is configured such that allvapor within personal vaporizer unit 100 does not come in contact withthe electronics on PC-boards 123 or 124.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a proximal wick element of a personalvaporizer unit. FIG. 35A is a perspective view of a heating elementdisposed through a proximal wick element of a personal vaporizer unit.FIG. 35B is a perspective view of a heating element of a personalvaporizer unit. FIG. 36 is a distal end view of the wick element of FIG.35. FIG. 37 is a cross-section of the wick element along the cut lineshown in FIG. 35. Proximal wick 136 is configured to fit within atomizerhousing 132. As can be seen in FIGS. 35-37, proximal wick 136 includesinternal wire passageway 136-1 and external wire passageway 136-2. Thesewire passageways allows a conductor or a heating element 139 to bepositioned through proximal wick 136 (via internal wire passageway136-1). This conductor or heating element 139 may also be positioned inexternal wire passageway 136-2. Thus, as shown in FIG. 35A, a conductoror heating element 139 may be wrapped around a portion of proximal wick136 by running the conductor or heating element 139 through internalwire passageway 136-1, around the distal end of proximal wick 136, andthrough external wire passageway 136-2 to return to approximately itspoint of origin. The heating element 139 may, when personal vaporizer100 is activated, heat proximal wick 136 in order to facilitatevaporization of a substance.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a distal wick element of a personalvaporizer unit. FIG. 39 is a distal end view of the wick element of FIG.38. FIG. 40 is a cross-section of the wick element along the cut lineshown in FIG. 39. Distal wick 134 is configured to fit within atomizerhousing 132. As can be seen in FIGS. 38-40, distal wick 134 comprisestwo cylinders of different diameters. A chamfered surface transitionsfrom the smaller diameter of the distal end of distal wick 134 to alarger diameter at the proximal end of distal wick 134. The cylinder atthe distal end terminates with a flat surface end 134-1. This flatsurface end 134-1 is the end of distal wick 134 is a surface that isplaced in direct contact with a substance to be vaporized when cartridge150 is inserted into the distal end of personal vaporizer 100. Theproximal end of distal wick 134 is typically in contact with proximalwick 136. However, at least a part of proximal wick 136 and distal wick134 are separated by an air gap. When distal wick 134 and proximal wick136 are used together, this air gap is formed between distal wick 134and proximal wick 136 by stand offs 136-3 as shown in FIG. 37.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a distal wick element of a personalvaporizer unit. FIG. 42 is a distal end view of the wick element of FIG.41. FIG. 43 is a cross-section of the wick element along the cut lineshown in FIG. 42. Proximal wick 234 may be used as an alternativeembodiment to distal wick 134. Proximal wick 234 is configured to fitwithin atomizer housing 232. As can be seen in FIGS. 41-43, proximalwick 234 comprises two cylinders of different diameters, and a cone orpointed end 234-1. A chamfered surface transitions from the smallerdiameter of the distal end of proximal wick 234 to a larger diameter atthe proximal end of proximal wick 234. The cylinder at the distal endterminates with a pointed end 234-1. This pointed end 234-1 is the endof proximal wick 234 that is in direct contact with a substance to bevaporized. This pointed end 234-1 may also break a seal on cartridge 150to allow the substance to be vaporized to come in direct contact withproximal wick 234. The proximal end of proximal wick 234 is typically incontact with proximal wick 136. However, at least a part of proximalwick 136 and proximal wick 234 are separated by an air gap. When distalwick 134 and proximal wick 236 are used together, this air gap is formedbetween proximal wick 234 and proximal wick 136 by stand offs 136-3 asshown in FIG. 37.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of an atomizer housing of a personalvaporizer unit. FIG. 45 is a distal end view of the atomizer housing ofFIG. 44. FIG. 46 is a side view of the atomizer housing of FIG. 44. FIG.47 is a top view of the atomizer housing of FIG. 44. FIG. 48 is across-section of the atomizer housing along the cut line shown in FIG.47. Atomizer housing 132 is configured to fit within main shell 102. Ascan be seen in FIGS. 44-48, atomizer housing 132 comprises roughly twocylinders of different diameters. A chamfered surface 132-3 transitionsfrom the smaller diameter of the distal end of atomizer housing 132 to alarger diameter at the proximal end of atomizer housing 132. The largerdiameter at the proximal end of atomizer housing 132 is configured to bepress fit into light pipe sleeve 140. The cylinder at the distal endterminates with a spade shaped tip 132-2. This spade shaped tip 132-2may break a seal on cartridge 150 to allow the substance to be vaporizedto come in direct contact with distal wick 134. Other shaped tips arepossible (e.g., needle or spear shaped).

Chamfered surface 132-3 has one or more holes 132-1. These holes allowair to pass, via suction, through atomizer housing 132 into distal wick134. This suction may be supplied by the user of personal vaporizer 100sucking or inhaling on mouthpiece cover 114 and/or mouthpiece 116. Theair that is sucked into distal wick 134 enters distal wick 134 on ornear the chamfered surface between the two cylinders of distal wick 134.The air that is sucked into distal wick 134 displaces some of thesubstance being vaporized that has been absorbed by distal wick 134causing it to be atomized as it exits distal wick 134 into the air gapformed between distal wick 134 and proximal wick 136. The heatingelement disposed around proximal wick 136 may then vaporize at leastsome of the atomized substance. In an embodiment, one or more holes132-1 may range in diameter between 0.02 and 0.0625 inches.

In an embodiment, placing holes 132-1 at the leading edge of thechamfered surface places a set volume of the substance to be vaporizedin the path of incoming air. This incoming air has nowhere to go butthrough the large diameter (or “head”) end of the distal end wick 134.When the air enters this area in distal end wick 134 it displaces thesubstance to be vaporized that is suspended in distal end wick 134towards an air cavity between distal end wick 134 and proximal end wick136. When the displaced substance to be vaporized reaches the surface ofdistal end wick 134, it is forced out of the wick by the incoming airand the negative pressure of the cavity. This produces an atomized cloudof the substance to be vaporized. In an embodiment, the diameter of thehead of distal end wick 134 may be varied and be smaller than thediameter of the proximal end wick 136. This allows for a tuned volume ofair to bypass proximal end wick 136 and directly enter the cavitybetween distal wick 134 and distal wick 136 without first passingthrough distal wick 136.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of an atomizer housing of a personalvaporizer unit. FIG. 50 is a distal end view of the atomizer housing ofFIG. 49. FIG. 51 is a side view of the atomizer housing of FIG. 49. FIG.52 is a top view of the atomizer housing of FIG. 49. FIG. 53 is across-section of the atomizer housing along the cut line shown in FIG.52. Atomizer housing 232 is an alternative embodiment, for use withproximal wick 234, to atomizer house 132. Atomizer housing 232 isconfigured to fit within main shell 102 and light pipe sleeve 140. Ascan be seen in FIGS. 49-53, atomizer housing 232 comprises roughly twocylinders of different diameters. A chamfered surface 232-3 transitionsfrom the smaller diameter of the distal end of atomizer housing 232 to alarger diameter at the proximal end of atomizer housing 232. The largerdiameter at the proximal end of atomizer housing 232 is configured to bepress fit into light pipe sleeve 140. The cylinder at the distal endterminates with an open cylinder tip 232-2. This open cylinder tip 232-2allows the pointed end 234-1 of proximal wick 234 to break a seal oncartridge 150 to allow the substance to be vaporized to come in directcontact with proximal wick 234.

Chamfered surface 232-3 has one or more holes 232-1. These holes allowair to pass, via suction, through atomizer housing 232 into proximalwick 234. The air that is sucked into proximal wick 234 enters proximalwick 234 on or near the chamfered surface between the two cylinders ofproximal wick 234. The air that is sucked into proximal wick 234displaces some of the substance being vaporized that has been absorbedby proximal wick 234 causing it to be atomized as it exits proximal wick234 into the air gap formed between proximal wick 234 and proximal wick136. The heating element disposed around proximal wick 136 may thenvaporize at least some of the atomized substance being vaporized. In anembodiment, one or more holes 232-1 may range in diameter between 0.02and 0.0625 inches.

In an embodiment, placing holes 232-1 at the leading edge of thechamfered surface places a set volume of the substance to be vaporizedin the path of incoming air. This incoming air has nowhere to go butthrough the head of the distal end wick 234. When the air enters thisarea in distal end wick 234 it displaces the substance to be vaporizedthat is suspended in distal end wick 234 towards an air cavity betweendistal end wick 234 and proximal end wick 236. When the displacedsubstance to be vaporized reaches the surface of distal end wick 232, itis forced out of the wick by the incoming air and the negative pressureof the cavity. This produces an atomized cloud of the substance to bevaporized. In an embodiment, the diameter of the head of distal end wick234 may be varied and be smaller than the diameter of the proximal endwick 236. This allows for a tuned volume of air to bypass distal wick236 and directly enter the cavity between proximal wick 234 and distalwick 236 without first passing through distal wick 236.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of an atomizer housing and wicks of apersonal vaporizer unit. FIG. 55 is an exploded view of the atomizerhousing, wire guides, and wicks of FIG. 54. FIG. 56 is a side view ofthe atomizer housing and wicks of FIG. 54. FIG. 57 is a distal end viewof the atomizer housing and wicks of FIG. 54. FIG. 58 is a cross-sectionof the atomizer housing and wicks along the cut line shown in FIG. 57.The atomizer housing and wicks shown in FIGS. 54-58 is an alternativeembodiment for use with proximal wick 236. The embodiment shown in FIGS.54-58 use atomizer housing 232, proximal wick 234, proximal wick 236,wire guide 237, and wire guide 238. Proximal wick 236 is configured tofit within atomizer housing 232. As can be seen in FIGS. 54-58, proximalwick 236 includes internal wire passageway 236-1. This wire passageway236-1 allows a conductor or a heating element (not shown) to bepositioned through proximal wick 236 (via internal wire passageway236-1). The conductor or heating element may be positioned around wireguide 237 and wire guide 238. Thus, a conductor or heating element mayrun the through wire passageway 236-1, around wire guides 237 and 238,and then back through wire passageway 236-1 to return to approximatelyits point of origin. The heating element may, when personal vaporizerunit 100 is activated, heat proximal wick 236 in order to facilitatevaporization of a substance.

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of the proximal end wick assembly of FIGS.54-58. FIG. 59A is a perspective view showing a heating element disposedthrough the proximal end wick and around the wire guides of FIGS. 54-58.FIG. 59B is a perspective view of the heating element of a personalvaporizer unit. FIG. 60 is a distal end view of the wick element andwire guides of FIGS. 54-58. FIG. 61 is a cross-section of the wickelement and wire guides along the cut line shown in FIG. 60. As can beseen in FIG. 59A, a conductor or heating element 239 may run throughwire passageway 236-1, around wire guides 237 and 238, and then backthrough wire passageway 236-1 to return to approximately its point oforigin.

In an embodiment, distal wicks 134, 234, and proximal wicks 136, 236,may be made of, or comprise, for example a porous ceramic. Distal wicks134, 234, and proximal wicks 136, 236, may be made of, or comprisealuminum oxide, silicon carbide, magnesia partial stabilized zirconia,yttria tetragonal zirconia polycrystal, porous metal (e.g., steel,aluminum, platinum, titanium, and the like), ceramic coated porousmetal, woven metal, spun metal, metal wool (e.g., steel wool), porouspolymer, porous coated polymer, porous silica (i.e., glass), and/orporous Pyrex. Distal wicks 134, 234, and proximal wicks 136, 236, may bemade of or comprise other materials that can absorb a substance to bevaporized.

The conductor or heating element that is disposed through proximal wick136 or 236 may be made of, or comprise, for example: nickel chromium,iron chromium aluminum, stainless steel, gold, platinum, tungstenmolybdenum, or a piezoelectric material. The conductor or heatingelement that is disposed through proximal wick 136 can be made of, orcomprise, other materials that become heated when an electrical currentis passed through them.

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a light pipe sleeve of a personalvaporizer unit. FIG. 63 is an end view of the light pipe sleeve of FIG.62. FIG. 64 is a cross-section of the light pipe sleeve along the cutline shown in FIG. 63. Light pipe sleeve 140 is configured to bedisposed within main shell 102. Light pipe sleeve 140 is also configuredto hold cartridge 150 and atomizer housing 132 or 232. As discussedpreviously, light pipe sleeve 140 is configured to conduct lightentering the proximal end of light pipe sleeve 140 (e.g., from LEDs125-127) to the distal end of light pipe sleeve 140. Typically, thelight exiting the distal end of light pipe sleeve 140 will be visiblefrom the exterior of personal vaporizer 100. The light exiting thedistal end of light pipe sleeve 140 may be diffused by cartridge 150.The light exiting the distal end of light pipe sleeve 140 may illuminatecharacters and/or symbols drawn, printed, written, or embossed, etc., inan end of cartridge 150. In an embodiment, light exiting light pipesleeve 140 may illuminate a logo, characters and/or symbols cut throughouter main shell 102. In an embodiment, light pipe sleeve 140 is madeof, or comprises, a translucent acrylic plastic.

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a cartridge of a personal vaporizerunit. FIG. 66 is a proximal end view of the cartridge of FIG. 65. FIG.67 is a side view of the cartridge of FIG. 65. FIG. 68 is a top view ofthe cartridge of FIG. 65. FIG. 69 is a cross-section of the cartridgealong the cut line shown in FIG. 66. As shown in FIGS. 65-69, cartridge150 comprises a hollow cylinder section with at least one exterior flatsurface 158. The flat surface 158 forms, when cartridge 150 is insertedinto the distal end of personal vaporizer unit 100, an open spacebetween the exterior surface of the cartridge and an interior surface oflight pipe sleeve 140. This space defines a passage for air to be drawnfrom outside personal vaporizer unit 100, through personal vaporizerunit 100 to be inhaled by the user along with the vaporized substance.This space also helps define the volume of air drawn into personalvaporizer unit 100. By defining the volume of air typically drawn intothe unit, different mixtures of vaporized substance to air may beproduced.

The hollow portion of cartridge 150 is configured as a reservoir to holdthe substance to be vaporized by personal vaporizer unit 100. The hollowportion of cartridge 150 holds the substance to be vaporized in directcontact with distal wick 134 or 234. This allows distal wick 134 or 234to become saturated with the substance to be vaporized. The area ofdistal wick 134 or 234 that is in direct contact with the substance tobe vaporized may be varied in order to deliver different doses of thesubstance to be vaporized. For example, cartridges 150 with differingdiameter hollow portions may be used to deliver different doses of thesubstance to be vaporized to the user.

Cartridge 150 may be configured to confine the substance to be vaporizedby a cap or seal (not shown) on the proximal end. This cap or seal maybe punctured by the end of atomizer housing 132, or the pointed end234-1 of proximal wick 234.

When inserted into personal vaporizer unit 100, cartridge standoffs 157define an air passage between the end of light pipe sleeve 140 and mainshell 102. This air passage allows air to reach the air passage definedby flat surface 158.

The hollow portion of cartridge 150 also includes one or more channels154. The end of these channels are exposed to air received via the airpassage(s) defined by flat surface 158. These channels allow air toenter the hollow portion of cartridge 150 as the substance contained incartridge 150 is drawn into a distal wick 134 or 234. Allowing air toenter the hollow portion of cartridge 150 as the substance contained incartridge 150 is removed prevents a vacuum from forming inside cartridge150. This vacuum could prevent the substance contained in cartridge 150from being absorbed into distal wick 134 or 234.

In an embodiment, cartridge 150 may be at least partly translucent. Thuscartridge 150 may act as a light diffuser so that light emitted by oneor more of LEDs 125-127 is visible external to personal vaporizer unit100.

FIG. 70 is a side view of a battery of a personal vaporizer unit. FIG.71 is an end view of the battery of FIG. 70. FIG. 72 is a perspectiveview of a battery support of a personal vaporizer unit. As can be seenin FIG. 72, battery support 106 does not form a complete cylinder thatcompletely surrounds battery 104. This missing portion of a cylinderforms a passageway that allows air and the vaporized substance to passby the battery from the atomizer assembly to the mouthpiece 116 so thatit may be inhaled by the user.

FIG. 73 is a top perspective view of a personal vaporizer unit case.FIG. 74 is a bottom perspective view of a personal vaporizer unit case.Personal vaporizer case 500 is configured to hold one or more personalvaporizer units 100. Personal vaporizer case 500 includes a connector510 to interface to a computer. This connector allows case 500 totransfer data from personal vaporizer unit 100 to a computer viaconnector 510. Case 500 may also transfer data from personal vaporizerunit 100 via a wireless interface. This wireless interface may comprisean infrared (IR) transmitter, a Bluetooth interface, an 802.11 specifiedinterface, and/or communicate with a cellular telephone network. Datafrom a personal vaporizer unit 100 may be associated with anidentification number stored by personal vaporizer unit 100. Data frompersonal vaporizer unit 100 may be transmitted via the wirelessinterface in association with the identification number.

Personal vaporizer case 500 includes a battery that may hold charge thatis used to recharge a personal vaporizer unit 100. Recharging ofpersonal vaporizer unit 100 may be managed by a charge controller thatis part of case 500.

When case 500 is holding a personal vaporizer unit 100, at least aportion of the personal vaporizer unit 100 is visible from the outsideof case 500 to allow a light emitted by personal vaporizer unit 100 toprovide a visual indication of a state of personal vaporizer unit 500.This visual indication is visible outside of case 500.

Personal vaporizer unit 100 is activated by a change in impedancebetween two conductive surfaces. In an embodiment, these two conductivesurfaces are part of main shell 102 and mouthpiece 116. These twoconductive surfaces may also be used by case 500 to charge battery 104.These two conductive surfaces may also be used by case 500 to read dataout of personal vaporizer unit 100.

In an embodiment, when a user puts personal vaporizer unit 100 inhis/her mouth and provides “suction,” air is drawn into personalvaporizer unit 100 through a gap between the end of main shell 102 andcartridge 150. In an embodiment, this gap is established by standoffs157. Air travels down galley(s) formed by flat surface(s) 158 and theinner surface of light pipe sleeve 140. The air then reaches a “ring”shaped galley between atomizer housing 132, cartridge 150, and lightpipe sleeve 140. Air travels to distal wick 134 via one or more holes132-1, in chamfered surface(s) 132-3. Air travels to distal wick 234 viaone or more holes 232-1, in chamfered surface(s) 232-3. Air is alsoallowed to enter cartridge 150 via one or more channels 154. This airentering cartridge 150 via channels 154 “back fills” for the substancebeing vaporized which enters distal wick 134. The substance beingvaporized is held in direct contact with distal wick 134 or 234 bycartridge 150. The substance being vaporized is absorbed by and maysaturate distal wick 134 or 234 and proximal wick 136 or 236.

The incoming air drawn through holes 132-1 displaces from saturateddistal wick 134 the substance being vaporized. The displaced substancebeing vaporized is pulled from wick elements 134 into a cavity betweendistal wick 134 and 136. This cavity may also contain a heating elementthat has been heated to between 150-200° C. The displaced substancebeing vaporized is pulled from wick elements 134 in small (e.g.,atomized) droplets. These atomized droplets are vaporized by the heatingelement.

In an embodiment, when a user puts personal vaporizer unit 100 inhis/her mouth and provides “suction,” air is drawn into personalvaporizer unit 100 through a gap between the end of main shell 102 andcartridge 150. In an embodiment, this gap is established by standoffs157. Air travels down galley(s) formed by flat surface(s) 158 and theinner surface of light pipe sleeve 140. The air then reaches a “ring”shaped galley between atomizer housing 232, cartridge 150, and lightpipe sleeve 140. Air travels to proximal wick 234 via one or more holes232-1, in chamfered surface(s) 232-1. Air is also allowed to entercartridge 150 via one or more channels 154. This air entering cartridge150 via channels 154 “back fills” for the substance being vaporizedwhich enters proximal wick 234. The substance being vaporized is held indirect contact with proximal wick 234 by cartridge 150. The substancebeing vaporized is absorbed by and may saturate distal wick 243 andproximal wick 236.

The incoming air drawn through holes 232-1 displaces from saturatedproximal wick 234 the substance being vaporized. The displaced substancebeing vaporized is pulled from wick elements 234 into a cavity betweenwick distal wick 234 and proximal wick 236. This cavity may also containa heating element that has been heated to between 150-200° C. Thedisplaced substance being vaporized is pulled from distal wick 234 insmall (e.g., atomized) droplets. These atomized droplets are vaporizedby the heating element.

In both of the previous two embodiments, the vaporized substance and airare drawn down a galley adjacent to battery 104, through mouthpieceinsulator 112, mouthpiece 116, and mouthpiece cover 114. After exitingpersonal vaporizer unit 100, the vapors may be inhaled by a user.

The systems, controller, and functions described above may beimplemented with or executed by one or more computer systems. Themethods described above may be stored on a computer readable medium.Personal vaporizer unit 100 and case 500 may be, comprise, or includecomputers systems. FIG. 75 illustrates a block diagram of a computersystem. Computer system 600 includes communication interface 620,processing system 630, storage system 640, and user interface 660.Processing system 630 is operatively coupled to storage system 640.Storage system 640 stores software 650 and data 670. Processing system630 is operatively coupled to communication interface 620 and userinterface 660. Computer system 600 may comprise a programmedgeneral-purpose computer. Computer system 600 may include amicroprocessor. Computer system 600 may comprise programmable or specialpurpose circuitry. Computer system 600 may be distributed among multipledevices, processors, storage, and/or interfaces that together compriseelements 620-670.

Communication interface 620 may comprise a network interface, modem,port, bus, link, transceiver, or other communication device.Communication interface 620 may be distributed among multiplecommunication devices. Processing system 630 may comprise amicroprocessor, microcontroller, logic circuit, or other processingdevice. Processing system 630 may be distributed among multipleprocessing devices. User interface 660 may comprise a keyboard, mouse,voice recognition interface, microphone and speakers, graphical display,touch screen, or other type of user interface device. User interface 660may be distributed among multiple interface devices. Storage system 640may comprise a disk, tape, integrated circuit, RAM, ROM, networkstorage, server, or other memory function. Storage system 640 may be acomputer readable medium. Storage system 640 may be distributed amongmultiple memory devices.

Processing system 630 retrieves and executes software 650 from storagesystem 640. Processing system may retrieve and store data 670.Processing system may also retrieve and store data via communicationinterface 620. Processing system 650 may create or modify software 650or data 670 to achieve a tangible result. Processing system may controlcommunication interface 620 or user interface 670 to achieve a tangibleresult. Processing system may retrieve and execute remotely storedsoftware via communication interface 620.

Software 650 and remotely stored software may comprise an operatingsystem, utilities, drivers, networking software, and other softwaretypically executed by a computer system. Software 650 may comprise anapplication program, applet, firmware, or other form of machine-readableprocessing instructions typically executed by a computer system. Whenexecuted by processing system 630, software 650 or remotely storedsoftware may direct computer system 600 to operate as described herein.

The above description and associated figures teach the best mode of theinvention. The following claims specify the scope of the invention. Notethat some aspects of the best mode may not fall within the scope of theinvention as specified by the claims. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the features described above can be combined in variousways to form multiple variations of the invention. As a result, theinvention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above,but only by the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A personal vaporizing unit, comprising: a housingthat approximates a smoking article, the housing having a side wallbetween two ends, the side wall including an opaque part and anon-opaque part; and, a hollow translucent tube disposed inside saidhousing, the tube surrounding a cartridge, wherein light passing throughsaid tube is visible from outside of said housing via said non-opaquepart.
 2. The personal vaporizing unit of claim 1, wherein the cartridgeis removable from said tube.
 3. The personal vaporizing unit of claim 2,further comprising: a light source that is selectively turned on toindicate a state of said personal vaporizing unit.
 4. The personalvaporizing unit of claim 3, wherein said light source is selectivelyturned on to indicate a fluid level associated with said cartridge. 5.The personal vaporizing unit of claim 1, wherein said non-opaque partcomprises an opening cut through said opaque part of said side wall. 6.The personal vaporizing unit of claim 1, wherein said tube emits lightthrough said non-opaque part.
 7. The personal vaporizing unit of claim6, wherein said non-opaque part of said opaque cylindrical housingcomprises an illuminated character.
 8. The personal vaporizing unit ofclaim 6, wherein said non-opaque part of said opaque cylindrical housingcomprises an illuminated symbol.
 9. A personal vaporizing unit,comprising: a cylindrical housing that approximates a smoking article,the housing having an opaque wall with a non-opaque part cut throughsaid opaque wall; a hollow translucent tube disposed inside saidhousing, a wall of the translucent tube to conduct light received bysaid translucent tube past at least a portion of said opaque wall wheresaid light is not visible through said cylindrical housing to saidnon-opaque part whereby said light is visible from outside of saidcylindrical housing via said non-opaque part; and a cartridge disposedin an end of said translucent tube, said cartridge having an end thatdiffuses said light.
 10. The personal vaporizing unit of claim 9,wherein the translucent tube comprises a translucent acrylic plastic.11. The personal vaporizing unit of claim 9, wherein the cartridge isremovable from said tube.
 12. The personal vaporizing unit of claim 9,further comprising: a light source that produces said light received bysaid translucent tube.
 13. The personal vaporizing unit of claim 12,wherein said light source is selectively turned on to indicate a stateof said personal vaporizing unit.
 14. The personal vaporizing unit ofclaim 12, wherein said light source is selectively turned on to indicatea fluid level associated with said cartridge.
 15. The personalvaporizing unit of claim 12, wherein said translucent tube emits,through said non-opaque part, light produced by said light source. 16.The personal vaporizing unit of claim 15, wherein said non-opaque partcomprises a character.
 17. The personal vaporizing unit of claim 15,wherein said non-opaque part comprises a symbol.
 18. A personalvaporizing unit, comprising: a housing that approximates a smokingarticle with two end portions, the housing having an opaque side wallbetween the two end portions, the side wall having a non-opaque part cutthrough the opaque side wall; and, a translucent tube conducting lightfrom a location internal to the housing where said light is not visiblethrough said opaque side wall to a location external to the housingwhere said light is visible through said non-opaque part.
 19. Thepersonal vaporizing unit of claim 18, further comprising: a light sourceto supply said light at said internal location internal to the housing.